By Engr. Jay B. Laurino Senator JV Ejercito and Quezon Governor Angelina “Doktora Helen” Tan join provincial officials and 2,127 baranga...
By Engr. Jay B. Laurino
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| Senator JV Ejercito and Quezon Governor Angelina “Doktora Helen” Tan join provincial officials and 2,127 barangay health workers during the BHW Convention at the Gumaca Convention Center, where plans for additional hospital funding and specialized medical services in the Bondoc Peninsula were announced. (Quezon PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Fresh national funding could accelerate healthcare expansion in Quezon’s Bondoc Peninsula as Senator JV Ejercito pledged to pursue ₱150 million to ₱200 million for medical facility improvements and additional healthcare services. The proposed investment is intended to strengthen provincial healthcare infrastructure and expand access to specialized treatment beyond major urban centers.
San Francisco District Hospital has emerged as a priority for the proposed allocation, building on development efforts supported by national assistance in 2025. The commitment was announced during the Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Convention at the Gumaca Convention Center, attended by 2,127 health volunteers from Quezon’s third district.
The proposed funding would support infrastructure improvements and additional medical capabilities, while succeeding budget allocations could finance specialized services, including advanced cardiac treatment. These plans aim to reduce the need for patients from the peninsula to travel to Lucena City or Metro Manila for procedures unavailable locally.
The commitment followed discussions with Governor Angelina “Doktora Helen” Tan, who requested additional national assistance for San Francisco District Hospital. Ejercito acknowledged that an earlier allocation had been reduced during previous budget deliberations but renewed his intention to secure funding for the facility.
The senator identified the hospital development as a priority in extending national healthcare investments to geographically isolated communities. He said the proposed allocation would be pursued through the national budget process following setbacks in earlier funding efforts.
“Yan po ay aking commitment kay Gov. Helen Tan. Sayang last year eh, nung BICAM, nagkasakit ako na nakaltas yung ating budget, pero ngayon na nandyan ako, sisiguro doon natin at least 150 to 200 million ilalagay po natin dito para sa inyo sa Quezon,” Ejercito said.
Beyond the proposed investment, the senator outlined plans to increase PhilHealth subsidies, expand zero-balance billing and strengthen financial support for locally operated hospitals under the Universal Health Care Act. He emphasized that national healthcare appropriations should also support provincial facilities to reduce hospitalization expenses and improve access to essential treatment.
Ejercito said healthcare financing would remain a priority in national budget deliberations as the government works to strengthen the implementation of universal healthcare. He specifically committed to increasing support for programs intended to ease the financial burden of medical treatment on Filipino families.
“You can be assured that under my care as Chairman of the Committee on Finance, we will prioritize universal healthcare law implementation. We will add the fund for zero-balance billing so that there will be more,” Ejercito said.
Tan, meanwhile, acknowledged continuing operational challenges despite provincial investments in medical equipment, healthcare personnel and patient assistance programs across Quezon’s 15 hospitals. She emphasized that existing healthcare services must also reach residents in remote communities through more accessible transportation and referral assistance.
The governor highlighted the Quezon Patient Navigation System, which coordinates ambulance services, medical referrals and assistance for residents requiring treatment. She explained that patients could contact provincial personnel directly to arrange transportation and hospital coordination.
“Marami pong challenges, maraming hamon. Meron tayong Quezon Patient Navigation System. Tatawagan nyo lang o ite-text nyo, may sasagot sa inyo, may libreng ambulansya na ihahatid po kayo saan kayo pupunta, may libre pong rescue vehicle, susunduin po kayo,” Tan said.
The provincial government also called for stronger coordination between barangay health workers and medical facilities, particularly when residents require emergency treatment or specialist consultations. Tan stressed that frontline volunteers could help identify patients needing assistance and connect them with available government services.
The governor emphasized that effective healthcare delivery requires extending provincial assistance beyond hospital facilities and into distant barangays. She urged health volunteers to use their knowledge of local families to facilitate medical referrals and strengthen the connection between communities and healthcare providers.
“So para po mas maramdaman ng pamilyang Quezonian na kahit sa kasulok-sulukan sila po’y naaabot ng serbisyo, kayo po ang dapat magiging instrumento. Tama po ba? Kasi sa barangay kilala nyo lahat eh. You know the problem of those who have families,” Tan said.
At the legislative level, the proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers also remains part of the national healthcare agenda, seeking standardized compensation and stronger protection for registered community health volunteers. The Senate approved the measure on third and final reading on August 3, 2026, although further legislative action is required before its provisions can take effect.
Quezon Third District Representative Reynante U. Arrogancia expressed support for additional national assistance to improve healthcare facilities in the peninsula. The proposed ₱150 million to ₱200 million allocation remains subject to national budget deliberations, with no approved appropriation or funding release confirmed.
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